All Obituaries

Monica S. (Lewis) Smith, 68, of Canton died unexpectedly at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital after being stricken at home. Monica was born November 8, 1952 in Canton, a daughter of Alford and Isabelle (Brown) Lewis. She graduated from Canton High School. On September 4, 1971, Monica married Bruce Smith. Together they have two children, Rebecca and Bruce. Monica worked the family farm for several years, for BOCES at Potsdam Central School for a short time, she did in-home day care and worked in...

Jean M. Zender, 65, of Canton died at the St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse, on April 1, 2021 where she had been a patient for a short time. Jean was born August 1, 1955 in Canton, a daughter of James E. and Ruth M. (Watson) Richards. Jean enjoyed crosswords, knitting and watching tv. She spent her adult life as a homemaker. Jean married Thomas Zender in 1975. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton. Burial will...

Edward James Whitcomb, 85, of Lisbon, passed in his sleep, in his favorite chair on March 27, 2021. Edward was born September 19, 1935 in Evans Mills, and grew up in the Colton-Pierrepont area. He graduated in 1954 from the Colton-Pierrepont Central School. After school, he joined the ARMY and achieved rank of Sergeant, working in the mess as the cook – and he was always capable of cooking for an army! He served in Korea for two years. After returning home, he worked the road crew for...

R. Maureen Howard, 83, of Canton diedunexpectedly on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at the Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital in Plattsburgh, surrounded by family with rosary beads in both hands. Maureen was born July 4, 1937 in Medford, MA to the late Frederick and Margaret (McKenna) Smith. She graduated High School and attended the Boston Women’s School of Business. On September 12, 1964, Maureen was united by marriage to Paul E. Howard. Following a dedicated 29...

David R. Elliott, 83, of 461 Old State Road, DeKalb Junction, died March 22 at Claxton Hepburn's Comfort Care Unit after a lengthy illness. Born September 30, 1937 to Lawrence and Esther Elliott, he was the youngest of six children. As a youth, he attended country school at Jerusalem Corners and St. Mary's parochial school, Canton, where he also served as an altar boy. At Canton High School he became a member of Future Farmers of America, wrestled and played football, graduating in...

Elizabeth “Betty” Bessette, 88, of Canton died in the company of family on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital. Betty was born July 5, 1932 in Canton, a daughter of the late Winifred and Gladys (Jock) Fullerton. She worked retail, primarily for P&C Supermarkets, with the exception of the time spent working at home raising her children. Betty retired from P&C at the age of 60. Her most cherished time was spent with her children and grandchildren,...

Alice L. (LaVigne) Van Vleet, 89, of Black Lake and formerly of Canton, died on Sunday, March 14, 2021 in the ER at the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, Ogdensburg after being stricken at home. Alice was born June 13, 1931 in Canton, a daughter of the late Phillip and Roselda (Gillette) LaVigne. She graduated from Canton High School. On September 1, 1951, Alice married Charles C. Van Vleet at the First Presbyterian Church of Canton with Rev. Eells, Pastor, officiating the marriage. Charles...

Deitre T. “Dee” Gilson, 72, of Canton, died on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at her home, where she was in the company of family and under the care of Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley. Dee was born in Canton on December 7, 1948, a daughter of the late Frank and Vera (Dafoe) Thorbahn. She graduated from Canton Central School and attended the Harper Method Beauty School of Rochester. Dee operated Dee’s Beauty Shop for 24 years. On July 11, 1970, Dee was married...

Francis J. Regan, 80, of Canton, passed away Friday evening, March 5, 2021 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital after being diagnosed with stage 4 brain and lung cancer a short time ago. His loving wife, Myrtle was by his side. Francis was born May 1, 1940 in Potsdam, New York, the son of Michael E. and Evelyn (Brothers) Regan. He graduated from Colton-Pierrepont Central School in 1958. Then served in the US Army for two years. He then worked in two paper mills for a short time prior to working...

Glen H. Hall, 50, of Canton died following a motor vehicle accident on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital. Glen was born August 26, 1970 in Potsdam, a son of Paul Hall and Linda Wright Durgan. Glen graduated from Norwood-Norfolk Central School. From 1995 until 2002, Glen worked at the Losurdo Creamery in Heuvelton and from 2004 until 2011 he worked for the Massena Central School and St. Lawrence Centre Mall as a custodian. Glen is survived by his mother, Linda...